Music Licensing Study Public Roundtable

On June 23 and 24th, the US Copyright Office conducted a series of “round table” discussions on music licensing reform. The series, coupled with Congressional testimony, will pave the way for an anticipated overhaul of US copyright law. Gary Rinkerman of our Washington DC office was invited by the Copyright Office to participate along with Google, Spotify, Sony Music, Sirius XM, BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, The Harry Fox Agency, BMG, Digital Media Association, The Songwriters Guild, SoundExchange and others. Among the topics covered were The Current Licensing Landscape, Innovations in Licensing, Royalty Rates, Performing Rights Organizations, Antitrust Issues, Fair Use and Protection of Pre-1972 Sound Recordings. Based on a further invitation from the Copyright Office, Gary will provide written commentary later this year for use in Copyright Office and Congressional proceedings.